Qin Renhuang just became an immortal, and you told me this is the prehistoric time

This scene made many officials who were participating in such a grand court assembly for the first time feel a chill in their hearts, and they realized more deeply that the status of these imperial concubines in His Majesty's heart and the power they might wield far exceeded that of ordinary imperial concubines.

At the Qin court assembly, only Ying Xuan was allowed to sit.

Even the First Emperor Ying Zheng, who was the Grand Secretary and held an extremely prestigious position, could only stand solemnly at the head of the civil officials, bowing his head slightly to show his absolute respect for imperial power.

After the officials bowed again and rose, the court assembly officially began.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang stepped forward first, holding a jade tablet, his posture upright like a pine tree, his voice steady and powerful, with an air of world-shaking composure, and began to report to Ying Xuan on the important affairs of the cabinet over the past year.

"Your Majesty, since Your Majesty left the palace, the Cabinet has diligently followed Your Majesty's established strategies, coordinating state affairs without the slightest negligence."

The First Emperor's voice echoed clearly in the hall.

"Firstly, road transportation. Throughout the entire territory of Daqin, official roads and post roads between counties have been fully connected, the road surfaces have been widened and reinforced, and key bridges and tunnels have also been completed."

The Grand Canal project is progressing far beyond expectations. The canal's width and depth are several times greater than those of previous dynasties, allowing passage for large ships with a capacity of over 1,000 shi (a unit of volume). Connecting the north and south waterways, its benefits for transporting grain and irrigation are already becoming apparent.

"Secondly, water conservancy and agriculture. According to the terrain and water conditions, various counties and prefectures have built more than 3,700 water conservancy projects, including large and small reservoirs, ditches, dams, waterwheels, etc., which have added and improved more than 80 million mu of irrigated farmland."

The promotion of agricultural tools, under the full supervision of the Imperial Household Department and with the assistance of His Majesty's newly bestowed divine cauldron, has been basically completed. Feedback from various regions indicates a significant increase in the efficiency of spring plowing this year.

"Thirdly, education and people's livelihood. In accordance with His Majesty's decree to 'enlighten the people,' elementary schools and official schools have been established in all counties, townships, and villages across the country. The enrollment rate of school-age children has reached over 90%."

The implementation of girls' education, in particular, faced significant resistance. However, through cabinet decrees and assessments by local officials, over 60% of girls are now enrolled in school to begin their education, learning to read and write, and understanding etiquette and law.

"Fourth, military mobilization. Due to the urgency of the war in the wilderness, the Cabinet and the Military Council are working together to recruit new county and prefectural soldiers on a large scale in all counties and prefectures across the country, and to implement the policy of 'military preparation for all people'. By imperial decree, the basic martial arts taught by His Majesty are forcibly popularized among all able-bodied young men of eligible age, and with the help of medicine and simplified formations, it is imperative that they acquire basic combat capabilities in a short period of time."

Combined with the mobilization system that has penetrated deep into the countryside under the rule of our Great Qin, our Great Qin can now be described as "the whole nation is a soldier." Moreover, this "soldier" is not the mere laborer of the past who only had physical strength, but rather everyone who has cultivated basic skills, and their physique, reaction, endurance, and even simple combined attack techniques are all governed by rules.

If mobilization is needed now, regardless of gender, those recruited into the army possess individual martial prowess and organizational skills far surpassing the elite troops of all nations before Your Majesty unified them.

The First Emperor spoke eloquently, outlining numerous major initiatives concerning the national economy and people's livelihood, all of which yielded remarkable results.

His report was well-organized and detailed, demonstrating his unparalleled control over national affairs and his formidable execution capabilities.

The officials in the hall, especially the civil officials, listened to the First Emperor's report, and many of them showed genuine joy and pride on their faces.

They were mostly involved in the implementation of these policies, either overseeing a region or coordinating the overall situation, and were well aware of the difficulties involved. Now that the results were before them, and the Grand Secretary was personally reporting to His Majesty, they felt a great sense of accomplishment and honor.

Ying Xuan sat upright on his throne, listening quietly, and couldn't help but nod inwardly.

He knew that the First Emperor was exceptionally capable, but in the year or so that he was away, the First Emperor had managed the internal affairs so well under the immense pressure of the front lines in the wilderness, and even achieved results in some areas that exceeded his original plans. This achievement was truly remarkable.

It can be said that the things that the First Emperor did in this year were more numerous and more substantial than what Ying Xuan himself accomplished during the years he was emperor.

"...The above is a summary of the Cabinet's major administrative affairs over the past year. The detailed rules and reports from various regions have been compiled into a book and presented to Your Majesty for your perusal."

The First Emperor concluded by bowing and raising a thick memorial above his head.

A palace attendant stepped forward to take it and respectfully placed it on the imperial desk in front of Ying Xuan.

Ying Xuan did not immediately look at the memorial. His gaze swept over the civil officials below, who stood upright with expectant eyes, and an approving smile appeared on his face.

“Well done.”

Ying Xuan's voice was clearly filled with satisfaction.

"I am very satisfied."

These few simple words invigorated the civil officials below, and their faces lit up with even greater joy.

"My esteemed ministers of the Cabinet, you have worked tirelessly day and night in the affairs of the state, making invaluable contributions to the nation and its people. You deserve a reward!"

Ying Xuan continued.

He knew that under the current situation in the Great Qin, the local imperial concubines controlled the inner study and gathered and cultivated talents in various places, forming an independent and important force. It was difficult for any one person to completely control or influence the civil officials.

The First Emperor was able to unite the entire civil service system with his unparalleled political skills and personal prestige, efficiently promoting so many national policies. This achievement deserves a great reward.

"The Cabinet and the Imperial Study shall jointly discuss and draft a list of meritorious officials in this administration, and report it to me. All those who have made contributions, regardless of their official rank, shall be richly rewarded! Gold, silver, land, houses, cultivation techniques, elixirs, magical artifacts and talismans, and even... cultivation quotas and resource allocations, all shall be considered."

Ying Xuan gave a clear direction for the rewards.

He knew that the bloody battle in the wilderness had rewarded tens of millions of soldiers. Although the per capita reward was not generous, the total amount had already emptied most of the national treasury and the Imperial Household Department's reserves. It would indeed be difficult to provide a massive amount of material rewards for civil officials. However, the rewards for civil officials did not necessarily have to be entirely material.

In the present world of Qin, due to the large-scale slaughter of goblins by the Tianxing Sect cultivators, the dissipated spiritual energy and law information have permeated the heavens and earth, raising the concentration and activity of spiritual energy throughout Qin to a new level. Those willing to cultivate, even with average talent, have a significantly increased chance of reaching the "peak of ordinary life" by following the proper path.

For these civil officials, the allure of being rewarded with practical low-level magical artifacts, elixirs that aid in cultivation, or even better cultivation techniques, or simply a quota for "priority access to certain cultivation resources," might be greater than that of gold and silver. Such rewards would make them more grateful and willing to serve wholeheartedly.

"Your Majesty, we thank you for your great favor! Long live Your Majesty!"

The civil officials, led by the First Emperor, bowed in unison to express their gratitude, their voices filled with excitement. His Majesty was satisfied with their work and had promised substantial rewards, which was more important than anything else.

After dealing with the civil officials, Ying Xuan turned his attention to the ranks of military officers.

Led by Wang Jian, the eight main deputy commanders who had returned from the bloody battle in the wilderness, including Qi Jiguang, Han Xin, Zhang Han, Meng Tian, ​​Li Jing, Xu Shiji, and Lü Ze, as well as the generals Li Xin and Wang Ben who remained in the rear, immediately straightened their backs and looked intently at the throne.

Their military achievements need no further elaboration. The mountains of corpses and seas of blood on the wasteland are the best medals they can bear.

Ying Xuan's gaze first fell on Wang Jian, the chief military advisor at the head of the army. This old general's hair was already gray, and his face was even more aged and haggard than a year ago. Although the murderous aura that had seeped into his bones was suppressed by the Qin Imperial Palace, it still followed him like a shadow.

It was he who led tens of millions of Qin warriors to withstand the relentless onslaught from the goblin world, at the cost of nearly a million soldiers being buried in the wasteland, and the remaining nine million soldiers being driven mad by murderous intent and on the verge of collapse!

If the Qin Imperial Palace had not transformed into a celestial artifact in time, using the power of its national fortune and incense offerings to disperse and transform the evil energy, these most elite warriors of Qin would probably have been rendered useless, and might even have caused an even greater disaster.

Wang Jian's command abilities, his personal charisma, and his absolute loyalty to the Qin Dynasty and His Majesty were all fully demonstrated in this protracted and bloody war.

"Wang Jian".

Ying Xuan spoke, his voice unusually solemn.

"Your subordinate is here!"

Wang Jian took a step forward, his voice booming like a bell.

"You commanded the three armies, fought fiercely in the wilderness for more than a year, killed countless enemies, stabilized the borders of our Great Qin, and protected our hundreds of millions of people. Your achievements are great and you are worthy of being called a pillar."

Ying Xuan said slowly.

"By imperial decree, Wang Jian's original title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households is hereby increased to ninety thousand households! He is also granted a certificate of merit and an iron token, which shall be hereditary without fail!"

"Whoosh—!"

A collective gasp of astonishment erupted from the main hall! Ninety thousand households! Adding that to the original ten thousand households, that's a total of one hundred thousand households for the title of Marquis! This is absolutely unprecedented and unparalleled in the history of the Qin Dynasty!
It should be understood that although the Qin Dynasty now has hundreds of millions of people, land distribution is mostly based on "households". In order to increase the number of households, large families are often split up during the statistics. Even so, the fief and influence of a marquis with 100,000 households is enough to shake the court and the public!

"This humble general...kowtows in gratitude to Your Majesty for Your Majesty's divine grace! Long live Your Majesty!"

Wang Jian's body trembled, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes, and he immediately knelt down deeply.

He knew that this was not just a reward, but also His Majesty's affirmation and comfort to him and all the soldiers who had fought so hard.

Ying Xuan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the eight vice commanders behind Wang Jian, who were equally meritorious and exuded a fierce aura.

"Qi Jiguang, Han Xin, Lü Ze, Zhang Han, Meng Tian, ​​Li Jing, Xu Shiji!"

Ying Xuan read out their names one by one.

"You eight men, who led from the front and assisted the commander-in-chief with outstanding achievements, are each granted an additional 40,000 households! You are bestowed with imperial edicts and iron certificates, which shall be inherited in perpetuity!"

"Your humble servants kowtow in gratitude for Your Majesty's great favor! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!"

Eight generals stepped forward in unison, bowing deeply in excitement, their voices echoing throughout the hall. A Marquis of Forty Thousand Households! This was also a top-tier title in the Qin Dynasty! In the past, it would have been enough to reward a founding hero!
Immediately afterwards, Ying Xuan read out a long list of names of mid- to high-ranking generals who had distinguished themselves in the bloody battle in the wasteland, and bestowed upon each of them the titles of commander of a thousand households or commander of ten thousand households.

In a short time, the number of newly promoted "military nobles" in the main hall due to their military achievements exceeded one thousand! The Qin Dynasty's system of nobility expanded dramatically because of this bloody battle.

As for Li Xiuning, she was originally Ying Xuan's imperial concubine, holding a prestigious position. Her military achievements and influence were more reflected in her status as "imperial concubine" and "inner study," so Ying Xuan did not bestow any additional titles upon her. However, everyone knew that her actual status and influence were already above those of the generals.

The bestowal of titles and ranks had been completed, and the generals were still excited and thrilled.

However, Ying Xuan's rewards were not yet over.

He raised his right hand and gently gestured towards the empty space in the hall.

"Buzz!"

"Buzz!"

"Buzz!"

……

Nine clear, resonant hums rang out in succession! Nine streams of light, each a different color yet equally dazzling, radiating powerful spiritual energy and profound Daoist charm, flew out from Ying Xuan's sleeves and hovered in mid-air in the center of the hall!
The radiance subsided, revealing the true forms of nine magical treasures of various shapes! There was a long spear, entirely crimson, wreathed in dragon-shaped flames; there was a giant shield, engraved with mountain and sea patterns, radiating a heavy yellow light;
There was a pair of bronze halberds, their cold light gleaming and faintly emitting the sounds of wind and thunder; there was a jewel that floated and spun, scattering starlight; there was a banner that fluttered, seemingly containing the murderous aura of a thousand armies...

Each and every one of them exudes an astonishing aura and is brimming with spiritual energy; they are undoubtedly top-tier magical treasures! They are probably only one step away from becoming the legendary "immortal artifacts"!
A collective gasp filled the hall! Both civil and military officials were awestruck by the brilliance and aura of these nine top-tier magical treasures! The military officers' eyes blazed with an uncontrollable burning desire!
A magical artifact! A magical artifact that can greatly enhance personal strength! In the Qin Dynasty, where cultivation is becoming increasingly widespread, a powerful magical artifact is no less significant to a military general than a thousand troops, and can even determine the outcome of a crucial battle! Not to mention a top-tier magical artifact like this!

"Wang Jian, Qi Jiguang, Han Xin, Lü Ze, Zhang Han, Meng Tian, ​​Li Jing, Xu Shiji."

Ying Xuan called out names again.

"Step forward, each of you take one item. These are weapons bestowed upon you by me for protection and to defeat enemies. I hope you will make good use of these treasures and continue to expand the territory of Great Qin and protect the country and its people!"

"Your humble servant obeys the decree! Thank you for your generous gift, Your Majesty! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations!"

The nine commanders were so excited that their voices trembled slightly as they stepped forward. Qi Jiguang and the others all looked at Wang Jian, waiting for him to make the first choice. Wang Jian did not refuse, his gaze sweeping over the nine treasures, and finally chose the Thousand Army Battle Banner, which contained a murderous aura and seemed to resonate faintly with his own aura.

The remaining eight then stepped forward one by one, each choosing their favorite magical treasure. Holding it in their hands, they felt its immense power and were overjoyed.

After the nine commanders were chosen, many generals, though envious, knew that it was what the commanders deserved.

However, to their surprise, Ying Xuan waved again!
This time, it wasn't just a few items, but thousands of streams of light gushing out like a fountain!

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!"

The sound of air being torn apart was incessant! Thousands of magical treasures of various shapes and shimmering light floated neatly in mid-air above the hall, like soldiers being inspected! Although their aura was not as astonishing as the nine top-tier magical treasures from before, they were equally full of spirituality and had considerable power, and were at least of the middle to upper grade!

Looking at the sea of ​​magical treasures that filled almost the entire sky above the main hall, all the military officers, including those who had just been awarded titles of Marquis of a Thousand Households and Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, were so excited that they trembled all over and their eyes widened!
Magical treasures! So many magical treasures! Is His Majesty planning to arm all the Qin generals to the teeth?
Who doesn't know that magical artifacts are far more powerful than ordinary weapons? Who wouldn't yearn to possess a magical artifact that can be passed down through generations? This time, His Majesty not only bestowed titles but also so many magical artifacts! This is an unprecedented reward! Enough to drive any military general mad! (End of Chapter)